Don't Delay Treatment For Your Abscess

Your skin is your body's biggest organ, an it's also the most important protection your body has from the outside world. With that in mind, we want to do everything we can to protect ourselves from the outside, in. 

If you have come across a small, tender mass on your body, chances are it could be an abscess. Often painful and irritating to the touch, abscesses are collections of pus, bacteria, and debris. They are most commonly found in the armpits, around the anus or vagina, and the lower back. When they spread, individuals can develop a fever with more severe symptoms.  

When to see an urgent care doctor for abscesses?

You should always see a doctor if you have symptoms of a skin infection or abscess. Symptoms of skin infection and abscess include:

• Red, blotchy, or streaky skin
• Swelling
• Tenderness or pain
• Skin that is warm to the touch
• A visible build-up of fluid pus under the skin
• Fever, chills, or headache along with your skin symptoms

The abscess treatment process:

• The abscessed area is numbed with a local anesthetic
• The area is sterilized with antiseptic
• A small incision is made in the abscess to drain out the pus and bacteria
• Depending on the size of the abscess, the incision may be bandaged left open so that the infection will die off
• Antibiotics may be prescribed to help fight off the infection

Treatment at home may be possible If an abscess is small. By applying a warm compress to the area for 30 minutes, 4 times a day, you may be able to reduce the size and eliminate the abscess. Never attempt to cut open an abscess at home. You could damage a blood vessel and spread the infection to other parts of the body.

Do you need an abscess removed in Katy & Fulshear ? Call Preferred Urgent Care at (281) 984-6735 or just stop by your local clinic for treatment today. Walk-ins are always welcome.